Reports: Toronto nets WNBA expansion franchise

Toronto was awarded an expansion franchise and is set to become the first international franchise in the WNBA in 2026, according to multiple reports.

The growing league awarded the club to Kilmer Sports Inc., headed by Toronto billionaire Larry Tanenbaum, part of the minority ownership of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment. That group owns the NBA's Toronto Raptors, the Maple Leafs (NHL), Argonauts (CFL) and TFC (MLS) with Tanenbaum acting as the chairman.

Toronto is set to become the WNBA's 14th franchise. Another expansion club -- Golden State -- enters the league in 2025.

A league ceremony to welcome the team is scheduled for May 23 in Toronto, but the new franchise would begin play in May 2026 at Coca-Cola Coliseum. The arena is home to the Maple Leafs' top affiliate, the Marlies, and has a capacity of 8,000.

Tanenbaum is a minority owner and chairman of sporting giant Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment which owns the Maple Leafs, Raptors, TFC, Argos and Marlies.